Kim Jong-in: "There are forces distorting past history to incite public division... It's pathetic"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, criticized, "There are forces that distort past history to incite public division and waste national power," calling it "truly pathetic." This appears to be a remark aimed at the 'pro-Japanese faction controversy' raised mainly by the ruling party.

At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly main building on the 20th, Chairman Kim said, "Regional economic issues are also being neglected due to factional logic and ideology, preventing proper attention to necessary matters."

He explained, "The current regional economic situation is very unfavorable. While contactless-related companies in the metropolitan area are managing to perform and endure, the provinces, whose industrial base is manufacturing, are in a very precarious situation," adding, "However, support and future measures for this are insufficient."

Chairman Kim emphasized, "In governing the country, it is important for the entire nation to look toward the future and foster industries optimized for each region. Regardless of electoral advantages or disadvantages, we must work together for the happiness of the people," and sharply criticized, "At a critical time, there are forces that distort past history to incite public division and waste national power. It is truly pathetic."

Regarding the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he stated, "It is none other than the government that broke the guidelines and control of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and caused confusion, yet it is difficult to find any reflection on the failure of quarantine," emphasizing, "Even now, the government is blaming the public for the rapid increase in confirmed cases, inciting public conflict and division, and politically exploiting the situation. Wise citizens will remember these forces."

He continued, "The actions of non-experts causing confusion in quarantine must stop," adding, "The government should share information transparently about the current situation and seek public cooperation, and must not use COVID-19 as a political tool for controlling the people." The United Future Party also announced that it will actively cooperate with the KCDC management guidelines, postpone forums and seminars, and refrain from indoor gatherings of more than 20 people.

Regarding President Moon and the ruling government, he raised his voice, saying, "It is time to let go of the obsession and stubbornness over failed policies," and urged, "Ministers who have implemented failed policies so far should recognize the pain their incompetence causes the people and make wise judgments."

Earlier, on the 18th and 19th, Chairman Kim visited Daegu and Gwangju consecutively, criticizing former President Park Geun-hye and apologizing for the 5.18 remarks. He said, "The old ideological confrontation is like a thorn stuck in the sole of the foot, becoming an obstacle on the journey toward the future," adding, "Although insufficient and lacking, when we acknowledge and reflect on the past, we can gradually untangle the intertwined knots."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.